Jesus or Joseph?

When asked to choose, will Mormons trust Jesus or Joseph Smith? Unfortunately, more times than not, they will choose Joseph. This blog will explore this reasoning of faith. — Matthew 16:15-16, Matthew 10:37-39, Mark 1:16-18

I’ve heard many times how the LDS want to be considered Christian. Over and over again, you will hear the same argument “Jesus Christ is in the very name of our church. How can we not be Christians?” I actually heard this a few months ago when a church elder was interviewed by Matt Lauer on NBC’s today show. And, several official church representatives have used this same argument, including Gordon Hinckley himself.

This argument is paper thin. Yes, the name of Jesus Christ is in the name of the church, but that’s about it. Over and over again, the church proves that it’s more praised person is Joseph Smith and it’s prophets.

“Here then is the grand key—Follow the prophet—and here are fourteen
fundamentals in following the prophet, the President of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints…”

First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
Second: The living prophet is more vital to us than the Standard Works.
Third: The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
Fourth: The prophet will never lead the Church astray.
Fifth: The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or diplomas to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
Sixth: The prophet does not have to say “Thus saith the Lord” to give us scripture.
Seventh: The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
Eighth: The Prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
Ninth: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual.
Tenth: The prophet may well advise on civic matters.
Eleventh: The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
Twelfth: The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
Thirteenth: The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—The
highest quorum in the Church.
Fourteenth: The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.

“Fundamental” #2 and #14 are a huge problem here. #2 basically says, “Don’t believe your scriptures, believe what I tell you. And when your scriptures and I disagree, believe me first.” How is this possible? What is the standard of truth here? Is truth floating in the wind? Is the presidency of the LDS church really the only one who hears God speak and invokes law? Of course not. God can be felt and heard in each of our hearts. Jesus can light our paths, we can follow Him, and we don’t have to rely on someone else to say if it pleases them or not.

And #14 is just a plain threat. Where’s the mercy of God? Where’s the grace of the Lord? Reject the prophet and suffer?? You have to be kidding me. The God of the Bible is a God of love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. This is not a direction from our creator.